Across the Bay
By Monica Encarnacion,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Emotional but unlikely journey of boy in Old San Juan.
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What's the Story?
ACROSS THE BAY is a heartwarming story of a young boy's search for family and identity. The main character, a young boy named Carlitos, lives in the small town of Cataño, Puerto Rico -- across the bay from the capital, in a happy home with his mother, his abuela, and their cat, Coco. Carlitos loves his family but notices that something sets him and his family apart. Other neighborhood kids play basketball, learn to ride a bike, and go to the barbershop with their father while he goes to the barbershop with his mother. When Carlitos asks about Papi, his mother tells him that his father is across the bay in Old San Juan. She explains that "sometimes things don't work out" and reassures him that he is loved. Still, his yearning for his father takes him on a solo journey to find him. He tucks a photo of his father into his pocket and leaves home without anyone noticing, boarding a ferry all by himself to Old San Juan. Almost immediately, Carlitos can sense the vastness of the city as he watches Old San Juan grow bigger and bigger from his seat on the ferry. Once across the bay, he enlists the help of strangers but is unsuccessful in his quest to find Papi. His journey takes him through the maze-like streets of the old city, to old viejitos playing dominos on the street, to a lively parade, and finally to the castle El Morro, where he learns an important lesson. The colorful characters he meets along the way help illustrate a cultural setting and become part of the boy's emotional journey to find the true meaning of home. Eventually he makes his way to the edge of Old San Juan, where, from across the bay, he catches a glimpse of his hometown and is quickly reminded of where he belongs.
Is It Any Good?
This is an enchanting picture book set in Old San Juan. Carlos Aponte's vibrant illustrations bring the color and personality of Puerto Rico to life but may leave you longing to hear more Spanish. The occasional "buenos dias" and a short verse from a popular Puerto Rican song are about all that's included. Still, Across the Bay beautifully captures some of the unique culture and colorfulness of the ancient city of Old San Juan. Each page also displays a varied spectrum of brown skin shades that may prompt young readers to appreciate differences and find beauty within their own uniqueness. It's a story that can also speak to kids whose families don't look like everyone else's.
Carlitos' decision to take off on his own may be concerning but could also present a great opportunity to talk with kids about possible dangers, including reasons why they shouldn't talk to strangers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how families look different in Across the Bay. What makes a family?
What do you know about Puerto Rico? What places in Old San Juan would you like to visit?
Have you ever taken a big trip without telling or asking a grown-up? Do you think Carlitos should have told his mom or abuela that he was going to Old San Juan? Why?
Book Details
- Author: Carlos Aponte
- Illustrator: Carlos Aponte
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Adventures
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Penguin Workshop
- Publication date: September 17, 2019
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 3 - 7
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: ALA Best and Notable Books
- Last updated: February 3, 2020
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Where to Read
Our Editors Recommend
Books with Latino Characters
Bilingual Books (English/Spanish)
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